Manhattan

by Ronni Cooper

Born in Brooklyn, the undisputed queen of the City, Raine owns the sexiest, starriest nightclub in New York - and no one is ever going to take her crown.
The beautiful, enigmatic madam moves in all the right circles - but it wasn't always that way. Now her American dream has become a nightmare and she may have to pay the ultimate price for freedom.
Once the lead singer of the biggest female rock band in the world, Stevie is now flying solo - but she has a secret that could destroy her.
Now all three women are about to discover that payback is the biggest bitch of all...

Genres: Chick Lit

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2011

Reviews

[Hannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoewel ik dit boek iets minder vlot vind lezen als Rock Chicks van Ronni Cooper, vind ik het nog steeds een leuk boek. Ook origineel qua invalshoek. Ik had meestal echt zin om verder te lezen. Dat heb ik afgelopen jaar lang niet altijd gehad. Ik hoop dat ik dit jaar weer wat meer zin om te lezen heb dan vorig jaar en boeken tref die ik echt leuk vind.

Wat ik leuk vind aan dit boek is dat het om drie heel verschillende vrouwen gaat die toch een link met elkaar hebben. Ook vind ik het leuk dat het verhaal een rauw randje heeft. Het is geen standaard chicklit. Iemand op Goodreads vond dit een boek voor 21, omdat de inhoud te schokkend zou omdat er drugs, prostitutie en misdaden in voorkomen, maar dat vind ik echt onzin. Alsof jongeren niets gewend zijn. Ze kijken ook naar films waarin dat voorkomt en je wil niet weten wat ze via social media allemaal zien.

Ik vind het jammer dat er niet meer boeken van Ronni Cooper zijn uitgebracht. Hoewel ik haar andere boeken, die ze onder haar eigen naam (Shari Low) uitgeeft, ook erg leuk vind, vind ik het juist leuk dat de boeken die ze onder pseudoniem heeft uitgebracht net iets minder braaf zijn. Overigens wel grappig. In 2022 eindigde het jaar met een boek van Shari Low en begon ik 2023 ook met een boek van haar. 2023 eindigde ik opnieuw met een boek van haar en dit jaar begon ik ook weer met een boek van haar. Dat was niet bewust.

Er zitten een aantal verwijzingen naar Rock Chicks in het boek en sommige hoofdpersonen hebben in Manhattan een klein rolletje. Daarom zou ik dat boek eerst lezen als je dat nog niet gedaan hebt.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manhattan by Rooni Cooper is a book I read without any pre-conceived notions. I haven’t read Ronni’s debut novel, Rock Chicks, so I went into the book blind. Ronni has made the switch from the music scene to the writing scene (although you won’t find her on the music scene under Ronni Cooper as I’m almost sure it’s a pseudonym) and I was massively impressed with Manhattan. There’s something so satisfying about being surprised by a book, and I found Manhattan to be a fast-paced novel that was very, very hard to put down. I love discovering new authors and it looks like Ronni has made a successful transition, and the fact she’s able to use her insider music knowledge makes for an even better collaboration.

Manhattan reminded me very much of the early-days Louise Bagshawe. Career Girls, The Devil You Know, Tall Poppies, all the earlier Bagshawe novels were about women fighting their way to the top and taking on big, horrible people in the process and Manhattan is very reminiscent of that, as Cooper’s three heroines all battle with inner demons and horrible men to end up with lives that are their own, rather than ones that have been forced on them due to unseen circumstances. Novels like that are my favourite kind because they just get down to business, and the story is allowed to be told without interruption, without the inner monologues of first-person Chick Lit novels. Every once in a while I want to read about heroines that aren’t stupid, that aren’t pining for men, and that pretty much takes me into a world I’ll never know anything about and Manhattan does that perfectly.

I actually thought the synopsis was a bit misleading. The synopsis hints at the novel being all about Manhattan, the nightclub the three ladies co-own, but that’s actually a massive (unintentional) spoiler. The novel isn’t about that at all, in fact it’s actually a small part of the novel because the novel itself is about how they got to that point of owning New York’s biggest nightclub. It’s how Raine, Mei-Lin and Stevie’s lives began. How Raine became a nightclub owner, how Mei-Lin became a madam, how Stevie became a rock chick. It’s about how these bum-kicking girls got their payback on the people that wronged them/hurt them. And it’s good, too. It’s such a ride to see Raine mete out her revenge, to see Mei-Lin use her abilities to the best of her advantage, and to see Stevie rock out with her band. Each of the three women are successful at what they do (even if in Mei-Lin’s case, it’s probably not something to celebrate being good at) and I liked seeing how they dealt with what life had thrown at them, Mei-Lin’s being the most horrific but the most satisfying once it got to its conclusion.

Manhattan was just an excellent read. I really loved it and the best part was I didn’t expect to, because I didn’t know what I was going to be reading. (Particularly since her first novel came with an “explicit” sticker; there’s no need for that sticker this time around.) It’s such a good story and the fact it’s set in the 80s/early 90s, the fact Cooper has used her music knowledge for Stevie, it all has such an old-school feel that just makes it even better. Cooper could easily become the new Bagshawe, and anyone who loves Bagshawe (the early Bagshawe, anyway) will love how Cooper gives you three strong heroines and puts them in rubbish circumstances and they have to fight to make their way to the top. It’s brilliant and I’d definitely recommend it. From start to finished I was kept hooked and it takes a heck of a book to do that, because I am one fussy customer. Mahattan is definitely a book for your Christmas stocking.

[Asma Gallardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could have done with upping the glamour part than the "special VIP treatment" thing ..on the bright side it was loaded wid ambition..'one day', 'no fear', 'keep calm' mantras could be a major help sometimes..it was a wild ride into the clubbing world..i truly believe that the books we read are major fragments of the reality we live in.. Nd this book was oozing with the lifestyle of our "stars"..One day....... Our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them..

[Sherly Tjhin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! After so many days it’s done! 😅😅😅. First, I thought it just a thick book with light story, but I was wrong. It a thick book with heavy story full of surprises which made me paid extra effort to finish it. Lol.
DRAMATIC and SCANDALOUS! Manhattan: the end and the beginning. 3 women, 3 personalities, 3 lives, 1 big city with inevitable encounters. Started with some dramas and tragedies, unending suffering, accompanied by revenge, ambitions, and love. This book is unpredictable story and wild journey in the big city with all the shadow of the glamorous world. Love the 3 women who can walked out from their trauma and get along with their past ghosts. Love how they overcome the crisis and the lowest part of their life. When you are broken-hearted, depressed, and hopeless, it still your decision to keep drowning and dying or fight and win back (or maybe found) your strong self. When you can stand on your foot, while the whole world do the same “thing” except you, thats means you’re special, just keep going on your track and you will arrive at your destiny. It’s wrapped up with great happy ending. Thanks for the quality time and the curiosity from the first page till the very last page, I enjoyed the journey.

P.S: Mature and 21+ reader only (due to the story included drugs, crimes, trafficking and prostitution).

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Could not put this down. Loved every character. All the background stories had me hooked from the start. Reminded me of how Jackie Collins books used to be in the beginning.

[Mandy Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great read.

Thoroughly enjoyable and can't wait to read more by this author.

[Sophia Aouichaoui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for an easy,pleasing chick-lit?....then this is for you!!
The right balance of smut,comedy and real-life scenarios that made this novel a pleasure to read!!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raine: Born in Brooklyn, the undisputed queen of the City, Raine owns the sexiest, starriest nightclub in New York - and no one is ever going to take her crown. Mei-Lin: The beautiful, enigmatic madam moves in all the right circles - but it wasn't always that way. Now her American dream has become a nightmare and she may have to pay the ultimate price for freedom. Stevie: Once the lead singer of the biggest female rock band in the world, Stevie is now flying solo – but she has a secret that could destroy her. Now all three women are about to discover that payback is the biggest bitch of all…

I read Ronni Cooper's debut novel Rock Chicks last summer, and to be honest, had mixed opinions on it. I liked the idea behind the story but found it a bit hard going and quite crude in places. However, I decided that I would give Ronni Cooper another go with her new book Manhattan. I'm not a huge fan of the cover, I don't generally like white covers as they look a bit bland, but the story sounded interesting, quite along the lines of something I'd expect from Tilly or Louise Bagshawe in a way. I settled down to read, unsure of what I would make of this one after my previous experience, but I didn't expect an utterly engrossing read that had me captivated right until the last page!

The book follows the lives of three ladies; Raine, Stevie and Mei Lin. Each of them has had their life ruined in some way by one horrible man - Jason Tang. Due to that fact, they're determined to make their new club 'Manhattan' a success, even though they're all sure Tang is going to somehow get his revenge on them one day too. However, the book doesn't really focus on the women's present day lives, instead the book is virtually the entire back story of all 3 women, told through alternating chapters from the early 1980's through to the mid-90's, which is the present day of the novel. I actually really enjoyed the way the book was told, changing the focus every other chapter as to which character it was following, but I found it really easy to keep up with it. This way of telling the tale allowed us to really get into the heart of these characters, what drove them to their determination in the present day, and made for really interesting reading.

Each of the characters were very different, and each had a very different story to tell. Raine witnessed the death of someone close to her, and is determined to get revenge for that death, no matter the cost. However, her path leads to her to find herself a career she least expected. Stevie is a talented singer, and heads up a famous rock band. At the height of their fame, someone surfaces with something that is set to ruin Stevie and her career forever, so instead she runs away from the problem, scared to hunt down those responsible. Finally, Mei Lin was taken from her childhood home at a young age and forced to work for Tang, doing unspeakable things that she will never forget. Mei Lin needs to get out, but has to find a way to escape that means Tang will never come after her. Eventually, the women decide to work together to bring down Tang, and hopefully rid themselves of the stain of all of their lives.

I have to warn you now that this book is not for the feint-hearted. Some of the scenes, especially those involving Mei Lei cover topics that some people may not like to read about, and some quite graphic scenes will not be suitable for all readers. I'll tell you the topic now - Mei Lin is a prostitute, working in various brothels and due to the nature of her job, sexual scenes are frequent and some make for uncomfortable reading at points. However, I feel that Cooper writes convincingly about the topic - it isn't something I know anything about, nor would I care to but I really felt for poor Mei Lin reading it and while I was cringing at what she was forced to do, it did add to the topic and didn't feel like it was in there just to shock the reader. Other unusual topics are covered within the books, also in Raine's scenes, with again some graphic scenes and description but again, it didn't feel too out of place given the nature of the book.

I have to confess that despite some of the topics covered which I didn't exactly enjoy reading about, I found the book as a whole was fantastic read that I didn't want to put down. I found the story to be exciting, constantly moving and as a reader, I really didn't know what was going to happen next which I loved. I really liked each of the characters, they made for such interesting reading and really worked for the story. I feel like Ronni Cooper has really stepped up her game for this new book, and its an extremely well thought-out and constructed story. This won't be everyone's cup of tea because of the themes within, but if you fancy something a bit different and a bit racy this Christmas, then do look out for a copy of Manhattan, I thought it was fab!!

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://chicklitaholic.blogspot.com/20...

Sometimes, I come across a book that I am sure I will enjoy, but I'm a little reluctant to start. Theres never really any reasoning behind it, other than thinking that I am not going to enjoy it as much as I perhaps would other books in my TBR pile. Well, before I picked it up and started to read, Manhattan was one of those books. Once I started reading, I soon realised that the old saying of "you should never judge a book by its cover", could not have rung more true. (Not that I don't like the cover, I actually do!)

Manhattan, is a novel filled with drama, glamour and the outrageous, reminding me a little of a Jackie Collins novel. The storyline and the characters were so different from the lives of most normal girls, yet you know events like this and people like these, really do exist. I was instantly transported into the lives of Raine, Mei Ling and Stevie from the very first page. The novel is split in narrative, alternating between each of the characters, which gave a real insight into each of their lives as well as their true feelings. The story mainly focuses on each of these women's past and how that led them to where they are in the present day. I really enjoyed learning about each one of these women, and even though who the story is told from changes throughout the nove, it still flows easily and quickly. The music knowledge that Ronni Cooper has, and injects into the character of Stevie, was fascinating, making me feel as though I could have been in the 80's along with these rock bands. I felt this added another layer to the novel that perhaps would not have been there without the depth of the music knowledgeI will warn any readers that do not enjoy any explicit content within their novels, for example sex scenes, that perhaps this is not the novel for you. Ronni Cooper is very frank about exactly what each of her characters get up to, which adds another layer of gritty reality to the novel, which some readers may not enjoy.

Usually, when reading a novel that is told from the viewpoint of more than one character, I find I like some characters more than others. In the case of Manhattan, however, I found that I loved each of the characters as much as the next. Raine is such a strong, independant woman, who even though she has many difficulties and tradegies in her life, still manages to pick herself up and continue on with her life. Mei Ling, may appear vunerable at first, but once it becomes clear the extent of the horror she has been through in her life, her strength really shines through. I found Stevie to be the most relatable, even though she becomes the most well known of the three women, she still stays grounded and most like the normal girl she was in the beginning of the story. I really felt true emotion for each of these characters, while they are all strong, beautiful women, they each have their own inner demons to contend with. At times I felt like crying along with each character as they struggle through the hard times in their lives.

Manhattan was a novel that I always expected to like but never expected to love. This is why I was so pleasently suprised with how much I truely enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was so intriguing, intense and fast paced I found myself unable to put Manhattan down, telling myself I would read just one more chapter, before finishing the entire book in one sitting. . If you are apprehensive in any way about reading Manhattan than I suggest you pick this book up straight away, because trust me you will not be dissapointed, and if you already have the book then move it to the top of your reading pile. Trust me, Manhattan is going to blow you away

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kun on lukenut Rock Chicksn, tätä ei voi kirjoittaa vertaamatta siihen. Sen verran samanlainen on jo lähtöasetelma: päähenkilöinä kolme nuorta naista, seksiä, huumeita, pahuudenpesiä ja kasarirockia.


Tässä, kuten genren kirjoissa usein, on selkeää intertekstuaalisuutta Rock Chicksin kanssa. Kaikki tapahtuu samassa maailmassa. Itse asiassa Stavien bändi esiintyy samalla keikalla kuin Rock Chiksin bändi Steel Spikes, ja aiemman kirjan Suurella Pahalla Antagonistillakin on osansa juonessa.

Manhattan ei ole varsinaisesti kasvutarina. Se on selviytymistarina, jossa ei ole juuri mitään kaunista. Julmuutta, rikollisuutta, huumeita, huoria, ihmiskauppaa. Siitäkin huolimatta tarina onnistuu olemaan paikoitellen ääneennaurettavan hauska. Dialogi on terävää, juuri sellaista kuin chick litissä pitää ollakin.

Tämän kirjan heikkoudet sijaitsivat alkupuoliskossa. Tarina pääsi vauhtiin hitaasti, ja vaikka pohjustuksella olikin tarkoituksensa, en vielä puolessavälissä kirjaa ollut ollenkaan varma, pidänkö opuksesta. Sitten kun se pääsi vauhtiin, tarina vyöryi alan kuin lumi Alppien huipuilta. Oli niitä hetkiä, joina muistin, miksi pidän Cooperista. Luoja, satunnaisesti ajattelin, että "voi kun osaisin uskaltaisin kirjoittaa chick litiä juuri näin." Ilman tabuja, kiskoen huumorin sieltä missä se kovimmin sattuu.

Päähenkilöihin en ihan varauksetta ihastunut. Ne olivat samaistuttavia ja sympaattisia... liiankin sympaattisia. Tyylilaji olisi kaivannut vähän enemmän särmää ja silkkaa liioittelua päähenkilöihin. Sivurooleihin Cooper sen sijaan oli luonut kokonaisen eläintarhallisen mitä ihmeellisempiä sekopäitä, jotka meinasivat varastaa shown paikoitellen.

Kyllä, tämä oli ehdottomasti niiden muutaman sijoitetun euron arvoinen, vaikkei vielä ihan päässytkään Rock Chicksien rinnalle minun listallani.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

After winning this in a blog competition at Christmas, I have finally got around to reading it!
I have spent the most part of today (Saturday) reading this, and I have really enjoyed it. Once I properly got into the story and the characters, I was able to read it quite fast. It was written mainly as flashbacks to the three women's lives, and how they end up at a particular point at the end of the story.
I felt it was well written, but also rather shocking in places - some of the things that happen are quite dark but these are important to the story, even if they weren't easy to read.
I will definitely be interested in reading Ronni Cooper's next book.

[Amanda Cowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome and well thought out novel. Ronni Cooper is raw and riveting. She tells it like it is. Each of her characters were unique and relatable. This was a nice change from bubbly chick-lit like Emily Giffin.

Told from the view point of three different characters, she ties everything together nicely and makes for an epic outcome. I can't wait to read her other novel "Rock Chicks"

[Mandy Baggot · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is set in the New York nightclub scene following the lives of three woman, Stevie (the rock star), Mei-Lin (a high class prostitute) and Raine (a professional club-goer set on revenge). I really enjoyed all three of the interlocking stories and felt empathy for all the characters. A good read for those who like glitz and glamour with a dash of harsh reality.

[Sandra Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Tilly Bagshawe.

Fun read, lots of action. Good characters who interact in an interesting way. A nice Asian tang to spice it up. The story came together well and ended nicely.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for some candy to read in bite sized pieces and this was ideal. Nothing challenging. Juicy storyline of poor girls with ambition, pushing through obstacles and getting revenge. Solid three stars, doubt it will linger long for me.

[Shannon Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, Seems a lot of research was done.

[Kara Dickinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was So looking forward to this book...what the heck?! Took me too long to finish because I was just not into it.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down! Fantastic read, Love how everyone links and the twist at the end.. really enjoyable. Will definitely be looking for more from Ronnie Cooper

[Camilla Oht · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading rock chicks this book was amazing. You could read it without haven read the first (rock chicks) but it gets on a whole new level if you do! A must read (along with the first)

[Gibson8026 · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved how these girls lives intertwined.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every now and then, a girl needs a good smut read, and this one was exactly what I wanted!

Sexy, scandalous, intense... exactly as advertised. And very clearly written by a British woman. A win/win!

[Helen Carolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Three ladies claw their way back from the horror of their early teen years to set up the hottest night club in New York. Enjoyed.